Some Alberta Wildfires Under Control While Others Burn Fiercely

Firefighters are still battling multiple blazes in Alberta, but after significant efforts, some areas are now under control and evacuation orders have been lifted.

Photo Credit: Alberta Wildfire.

According to Alberta Wildfire, the hazard presented by the wildfire near North Wabasca Lake in Northern Alberta has been reduced and the evacuation order has been lifted for the residents in the Hamlet of Wabasca.

RCMP are assisting residents in returning to their homes. However, reception centres will remain open for all evacuees on Wednesday.

While some wildfires are under control, others are still burning fiercely. As of 5:43 p.m. Tuesday evening, the massive fire burning on the Canadian Forces Base near Cold Lake continues to ravage the land. Burning at approximately 17,500 hectares, the wildfire is being classified as out of control.

Fire burning north of Cold Lake. (Photo Credit: Alberta Wildfire.)

"The fire was active [Tuesday] on the northwest and southwest corners. We expect similar burning patterns tomorrow, as the wind continues to be from the northeast at 20 kilometres per hour, gusting to 35 kilometres per hour," read a Facebook post by Alberta Wildfire on Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m.

Approximately 250 firefighters, staff, equipment operators, and 17 helicopters are working on this fire.

Alberta Transportation continues to keep Highway 579 closed as of late Tuesday afternoon, as a smaller wildfire is causing reduced visibility and hazardous road conditions.

Meanwhile, the mandatory evacuation order has been lifted for residents in the Old Smith Highway area near Slave Lake, but a local state of emergency is still in effect for the region.

Photo Credit: Google Maps via Alberta Emergency Alert.

Residents south of the fire area will remain on a 30-minute evacuation notice as the situation is monitored.

A total of 50 new fires were sparked on Monday night after a series of lightning storms hit Northern Alberta. The fire that was causing the most damage is burning near Wabasca.